2010 1086 Rose, Nyetimber

Nyetimber was the first producer to make English sparkling wine exclusively from the ‘Champagne varieties’: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Based in the heart of West Sussex, on what is regarded as a perfect site for the production of sparkling wine. The estate was established in 1988, with just over 14 hectares planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The ever-increasing demand for Nyetimber’s sparkling wines led to considerable vineyard expansion from 2006 onwards. Nyetimber now has several carefully selected vineyards across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, with a total of 160 hectares under vine.

The estate is owned by Dutchman Eric Hereema who, alongside winemaker Cherie Spriggs, has installed an impressive cellar. All their grapes are estate-grown and pressed parcel by parcel by a Magnum press imported from Épernay in Champagne. Nyetimber’s vineyard holdings are planted mostly over limestone, which is favoured for its good drainage and low vigour. The vines are rigorously managed to ensure excellent flavour concentration, and de-leafing is carried out to maximise the exposure of the grapes to sunlight. Cherie Spriggs won the IWC ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ in 2018. She is the first winemaker outside of Champagne and the first woman to achieve this impressive accolade.